According to reports in Greece, Panathinaikos are ‘closing in’ on the signing of Newcastle United winger Callum Roberts.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a strong season at U-23 level, bagging 13 goals and 8 assists, however it was reported recently that he will NOT be handed a new deal at the club this summer.

As a result, Greek website Sdna.Gr now claim that former Newcastle centre-back Nikos Dabizas is behind the potential deal for Roberts, with the ex-NUFC defender now the sporting director at Panathinaikos.

Roberts joined League Two side Colchester United on loan earlier in the year, but managed just 37 minutes of action before returning to Tyneside.

The local lad actually scored in his one start for the senior side this season, bagging in our cup win at Blackburn, however he’s no longer a youngster at 22 and may well need to move on if he wants to succeed at senior level.

Get the Latest NUFC news in your inbox!

A move to Panathinaikos would seem a bizarre move away, but good luck to the lad if these claims from Greece do prove to be true.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at NUFCblogsubmissions@gmail.com & we’ll get back to you!)